Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat to Angola on Thursday in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Angola’s late goal in stoppage time broke the hearts of the home fans, ending a historic unbeaten run at the hallowed grounds in Kumasi. Here are the key talking points from the match:
1. The Dismal State of the Baba Yara Stadium Pitch
One of the biggest issues in the game was the terrible condition of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch. It was uneven, patchy, and clearly affected the flow of play for both teams. Many fans and pundits have bemoaned how the Black Stars were unable to impose themselves on the poor surface. The state of the pitch has raised serious concerns ahead of future home games for Ghana.
2. Lack of Cutting Edge in the Final Third
The Black Stars once again struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third. Despite enjoying possession for much of the game, Ghana was unable to break down the resolute Angolan defense. Several misplaced passes and poor decision-making upfront cost the Black Stars, as they failed to convert their chances into goals. The team’s lack of a clinical finisher was glaring throughout the 90 minutes.
3. Abdul Mumin’s Costly Mistake
Ghana’s hopes of salvaging a point were dashed when defender Abdul Mumin made a crucial error in stoppage time. His botched clearance attempt gifted Angola a simple tap-in that proved to be the decisive moment of the game. Mumin’s mistake will haunt the Black Stars, who were seconds away from maintaining their unbeaten streak at the stadium.
4. End of a 24-Year Unbeaten Run in Kumasi
The defeat to Angola marked the end of Ghana’s incredible 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Yara Stadium. The last time Ghana lost at the venue was in 2000, against South Africa in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Baba Yara Stadium has been a fortress for the Black Stars for over two decades, and this loss will undoubtedly sting for both players and fans alike.
5. Pitch Invasion by Fans
The game was marred by several pitch invasions during and after the game from frustrated Ghanaian fans. The most notable incident occurred in the first half, causing a brief halt in proceedings. The pitch invasions not only disrupted the flow of the game but will also cost the Black Stars financially, as CAF is set to fine the Ghana Football Association $10,000 for the security lapses. The chaotic scenes during and after the match were a dark stain on an already disappointing day for Ghanaian football.
The Black Stars will need to regroup quickly as they look to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations. However, this loss has raised serious questions about the team’s form, the quality of the playing conditions, and the security at the Baba Yara Stadium.
